The Starlite Theatre in Branson MO"Where The Stars Shine!"2016-12-07T14:40:17Zhttp://www.starlitetheatre.com/feed/atom/WordPressErin Wickerhttp://starlitetheatre.com/http://www.starlitetheatre.com/?p=52622016-10-24T16:37:39Z2016-10-24T16:36:48ZI remember the first time we saw “Raiding the Country Vault” back during the spring at the Mansion Theater in Branson. If I remember correctly, the crowd numbered less than 30 that night. We felt badly for the cast, as well as being embarrassed for them. But true pros perform […]

I remember the first time we saw “Raiding the Country Vault” back during the spring at the Mansion Theater in Branson.

If I remember correctly, the crowd numbered less than 30 that night. We felt badly for the cast, as well as being embarrassed for them. But true pros perform whatever the size of the crowd they are playing for, and this cast is no exception to that rule.

You might have thought every seat was filled that night the way these guys worked for the next two hours. Their efforts did not go unnoticed by us.

We had another night left on that particular trip, and decided we wanted to go again before heading home. The crowd however wasn’t much bigger then either, and while I didn’t see how the show could be any better, here it was great again! Every person on that stage gave 150 percent the second night as well. I was even more impressed.

We went back again on our next trip. And our next trip. And our next trip… well you get the idea. Overall, we saw “Raiding the Country Vault” nine times this year…loved it each time.

Each time we went back, attendance began to grow…not by huge numbers at first, but still growth. Then by the end of the year, crowds were over 1,000 a night. Looking back, those small crowds had to have been difficult for the performers early on, but as mentioned, their performances and their personalities never wavered.

About that cast, two things stood out every time I saw them. One of course was their amazing talent; two is their genuine likeability.

They circulated through the lobby after each show. I saw no difference in their smiles or their genuineness regardless of the size of the crowd. The performers come up to you; they are not separated from the crowd by ropes and security guards saying, “do this” or “don’t do that”. They sign autographs and they pose for pictures. They make it seem they have all the time in the world. One other thing that is clear is that these folks obviously like one another. There is no ego at all in this cast (and with their talents, there is plenty of room for ego).

I could watch any of these individuals perform an entire show by themselves and be blown away I feel sure. Seeing them perform as a group though is a bonus. If you didn’t see the show during its six months run this year, let me tell you briefly what it is, by first telling you what it is not!

“Raiding the Country Vault” is not a typical Branson tribute show. Instead, the cast includes amazingly gifted artists who all have hits of their own, but interestingly enough, they do not perform their own hits.

What they do perform is a set list that includes many of the biggest hits in the history of country music, but they don’t do it with the original artists’ dress, wigs or by trying to replicate their voices. They do it their own way in their own voices, and that is much more than enough for me. Conway Twitty, Patsy Cline, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Garth Brooks, and George Strait are just some of the iconic artists you hear being performed.

The cast is led by country music star Michael Peterson. His biggest hits include “From Here to Eternity” and “Drink, Swear, Steal and Lie”, both #1 songs and his version of “Wichita Lineman” in this show is second only to the great Glen Campbell. In addition to his incredible singing and stage presence, he serves as the Master of Ceremonies and Musical Director.

Next is Billy Yates. He is a renowned songwriter of huge songs like “Choices” and “I Don’t Need Your Rocking Chair” for George Jones. Billy has scored 10 #1 records in Europe and was 2012 European CMA Male Vocalist of the Year. He regularly performs there to audiences in the thousands. Billy’s greatness as an artist is evident in this show on standards like “Devil Went Down To Georgia” and “Kiss An Angel Good Morning”

There’s multi-talented Michelle Poe (who has played with Hank Williams Jr. and Brooks and Dunn among others); Colt Prather (great voice, played with Alan Jackson and nominated for Lead Guitar Player of the Year); Melody Hart (great vocalist, nominated for Fiddle Player of the Year); Dr. Scott Kwapiszeski, a very successful chiropractor who put that particular career on the back burner to join this cast playing pedal steel and banjo also nominated for Instrumentalist and Steel Player of the Year; drummer Derrek C. Phillips has worked with Hank Williams Jr. and Michael McDonald while keyboard magician Steve Ramsey has played the keys for notables like Travis Tritt and Tanya Tucker.

It’s a well-oiled machine whose parts function incredibly well together. In fact, they recently were named “Band of the Year” in Branson and presented with a Terry Award in recognition of that well-deserved honor.

I mentioned earlier that this not a typical tribute show, though the original singers of the songs being performed get their dues in absentia with interesting facts presented about them on message boards while the “Vault” band members are performing their songs.

It all works beautifully, and when you throw in the very big time stage lighting, the end result is a memorable show.

By the way “Raiding the Country Vault” moves to the Starlite Theater for 2017, right where the action is on the strip. The Starlite is more intimate than the Mansion, and we see it as a perfect marriage. Look for the show only to get bigger and bigger.

Finally, I was talking with a guy in the lobby after that last show. I have always thought he has a good handle on what’s going on in Branson so I remarked to him “this is going to be the hottest show in town next year.” His comment was “next year heck! It already is.” Being that almost every comment I see on social media about this show includes the phrase, “I can’t wait ’til next March” (when the show reopens), I think my friend was right.

Branson, MO. “Raiding The Country Vault” announces the lease of The Starlite Theatre. This multiple year lease will showcase talent in concert style performances like no other theatre in Branson. Sir Harry’s vast connections and expertise in the music industry will propel the Starlite Theatre to a new dimension.” said co-owner Randy Little. The Starlite Theatre will be home to a great line-up including Raiding The Country Vault. “I will do my utmost to carry on the great work that Randy Little and his Starlite team have already achieved since they took over this beautiful theatre, I am honored to have been given this opportunity” said Sir Harry.

The Starlite Theatre will be the only daily concert style show venue in Branson that will include The Texas Tenor and Larry’s Country Diner who will be joining “Raiding The Country Vault”. More show announcements will follow.

“Raiding the Country Vault” arrived in Branson to great fanfare when it opened at The Mansion Theatre in early May. Rising quickly to the #4 slot for Branson shows/attractions on TripAdvisor, the show has received great reviews on the popular social media site – “This show was awesome! It took us from the earliest country music to very recent. The musician performers were fantastic! All had major credentials and together formed a brilliant, perfect cast. This show is at the very top of my list and I’ve seen a lot of fabulous Branson and New York shows! See this show! You won’t be disappointed!” according to a recent post by DHarris.

The show was a longtime vision of Sir Harry Cowell and music industry legend Simon-Napier Bell, former manager of the Yardbirds and Wham. The production brings chart-topping Nashville stars together with musicians who have played behind country music’s most iconic acts, performing a set list featuring the biggest hits and the history of America’s most beloved music genre.

“Having the most talented lineup of performers is essential to putting on a show like ‘Raiding the Country Vault’, said Producer Sir Harry Cowell. “The songs performed are definitive country music hits and all of our musicians have the extraordinary skill and experience to bring that music to life.” The show not only showcases an impressive cast, but also includes lasers, state of the art lighting, custom designed sets in a large scale production.

The impressive lineup of stars in “Raiding The Country Vault” features:

Musical Director Michael Peterson on lead vocals and guitar, best loved for his #1 hits “Drink, Swear, Steal & Lie” and “From Here To Eternity”.

Colt Prather on lead vocals and lead guitar, who has worked with Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks and Ronnie Milsap.

Michelle Poe on lead vocals and bass, who has worked with Brooks & Dunn and Hank Williams Jr.

Billy Yates on lead vocals and guitar, best known as a hit songwriter for George Strait, Kenny Chesney, George Jones and many others.

Danielle Peck on lead vocals best known for her hits “Finding A Good Man” and “I Don’t.”

Backing up these artists is an all-star band that has shared the stage with the biggest names in country music for decades and features Steve Ramsey on keys.

Scott Kwapaszeski formerly of George Brothers Band and Livewire

Derrek Phillips formerly of Michael McDonald & Hank Williams Jr.

Melody Hart formerly of Brenda Lee and Joe Diffie

On March 10, 2017, “Raiding The Country Vault” will debut at THE STARLITE THEATRE. The producers are also planning to bring in “Raiding the Rock Vault” from Las Vegas for select summer dates. “Raiding the Rock Vault” features musicians from famous bands in classic rock that recreate the timeless music of an entire generation.
These stellar shows will bring in a new era to Branson entertainment. For more information, please contact Pam Critchfield.

]]>0Scott Kramhttp://www.starlitetheatre.com/?p=51232016-09-15T14:57:40Z2016-09-15T14:57:04ZAll-Star Performers Share Country Music’s Biggest Hits! Branson, Mo. – “Raiding the Country Vault” arrived in Branson to great fanfare, opening at The Mansion Theatre in early May. Rising quickly to the #4 slot for Branson shows/attractions on TripAdvisor, the show has received great reviews on the popular social media […]

Branson, Mo. – “Raiding the Country Vault” arrived in Branson to great fanfare, opening at The Mansion Theatre in early May. Rising quickly to the #4 slot for Branson shows/attractions on TripAdvisor, the show has received great reviews on the popular social media site – “This show was awesome! It took us from the earliest country music to very recent. The musician performers were fantastic! All had major credentials, and together formed a brilliant, perfect cast. This show is at the very top of my list, and I’ve seen a lot of fabulous Branson and New York shows! See this show! You won’t be disappointed!” according to a recent post by DHarris.

The show was a longtime vision of Sir Harry Cowell and music industry legend Simon-Napier Bell, former manager of the Yardbirds and Wham. The production brings chart-topping Nashville stars together with musicians who have played behind Country music’s most iconic acts, performing a set list featuring the biggest hits and the history of America’s most beloved music genre.

“Having the most talented lineup of performers is essential to putting on a show like ‘Raiding the Country Vault’,” said Producer Sir Harry Cowell. “The songs performed are definitive country music hits and all of our musicians have the extraordinary skill and experience to bring that music to life.”

“Raiding The Country Vault” delivers Country music’s most renowned favorites by legendary artists including: Conway Twitty, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, Charlie Daniels Band, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Dwight Yoakum, George Strait and many, many more. The impressive lineup of stars in “Raiding The Country Vault” features Musical Director Michael Peterson on lead vocals and guitar, best loved for his #1 hits “Drink, Swear, Steal & Lie” and “From Here To Eternity”; Colt Prather on lead vocals and lead guitar, who has worked with Alan Jackson and Ronnie Milsap; Michelle Poe on lead vocals and bass, who has worked with Brooks & Dunn and Hank Williams Jr.; Billy Yates on lead vocals and guitar, best known as a hit songwriter for George Strait, Kenny Chesney, George Jones and many others; Danielle Peck on lead vocals best known for her hits “Finding A Good Man” and “I Don’t.” Backing up these artists is an all-star band that has shared the stage with the biggest names in Country music for decades and features Steve Ramsey on keys; Scott Kwapaszeski on pedal steel and banjo; Derrek Phillips on drums and two-time “Fiddler of The Year,” Branson’s very own, Melody Hart.

October 1 is the last performance of the 2016 season and the show will re-open in Branson mid-March 2017 at THE STARLITE THEATRE The producers are also planning to bring in “Raiding the Rock Vault” from Las Vegas for select summer dates. “Raiding the Rock Vault” features musicians from famous bands in classic rock that recreate the timeless music of an entire generation.

]]>0Scott Kramhttp://www.starlitetheatre.com/?p=51182016-09-13T15:08:38Z2016-09-13T15:08:38ZEXCITING NEWS! STARLITE THEATRE TO MAKE MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT SEPT. 13 Branson, Missouri – The Starlite Theatre is excited to be making a major announcement Tuesday, September 13, at 12:00pm at the theatre regarding it’s 2017 show line up. Everyone is invited to attend and refreshments will be served. We look […]

]]>EXCITING NEWS!
STARLITE THEATRE TO MAKE MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT SEPT. 13

Branson, Missouri – The Starlite Theatre is excited to be making a major announcement Tuesday, September 13, at 12:00pm at the theatre regarding it’s 2017 show line up. Everyone is invited to attend and refreshments will be served.

Branson, MO – John Schneider (Bo Duke of ‘The Dukes of Hazard’) will be hosting a benefit concert at 7:00PM on Sunday, August 28 at the Starlite Theater in Branson, Missouri. Schneider will be joined in this performance event by local entertainers Jason Pritchett & The Steel Horses, as well as Johnny Lee to raise funds to support Louisiana flood victims.

In a statement issued on Monday, John Schneider said “I am very excited about going back to Branson! I haven’t been there to perform in over thirty years, [and] there has been a big hole in my soul where Branson used to be.” City of Branson Mayor Best added “I am very excited to welcome my old friend, John, back to Branson, and I am humbled by his outpouring of support to victims of these tragic circumstances.” Schneider relates to the loss experienced by his Louisiana neighbors, having two studios heavily damaged by previous floods. While his success afforded him the opportunity to rebuild, his heart goes out to those less fortunate who are unable to fund a new beginning after losing everything.

In addition to the concert, a silent auction will be held, offering a variety of items to be sold to the highest bidder. Area businesses interested in donating items to support this fundraising effort are asked to contact event coordinator, Tina Richardson at 417-335-1707 or by email at tslay23@yahoo.com.

The cost of admission is by donation, with suggested minimum of $20 per ticket. Doors open at 6:00PM, with the concert beginning at 7:00PM. The money raised will be given to Convoy of Hope to extend to flood victims.

This event has been made possible by the generosity of Convoy of Hope along Starlite Theater, Summerwinds Resorts, HCW, and Clear Entertainment and Marketing Group.

]]>0Scott Kramhttp://www.starlitetheatre.com/?p=47822016-05-31T17:01:26Z2016-05-18T15:25:36ZCelebrity Entertainment Both Real and Imagined. It’s Not All Real, but It’s All Really Amazing! NOW thru July – Single ticket to Hollywood Wax Museum and choice of Starlite Show (Billy Dean and the Steel Horses, Buckets N Boards, Reza Edge of Illusion, or The Blackwoods Morning Show). Package 1: […]

]]>0Scott Kramhttp://www.starlitetheatre.com/?p=46882016-03-22T20:26:36Z2016-03-22T13:37:23Z Billy’s Birthday Bash Saturday, April 2nd Join Billy for a birthday celebration. Billy Dean & the Steel Horses will play an acoustic set in the lobby before their show. Enjoy Birthday cake and coffee. Show starts at 7:30pm. Reservations required. Call for reservations, (417) 337-9333.

]]>0Erin Wickerhttp://starlitetheatre.com/http://www.starlitetheatre.com/?p=46742016-04-08T14:57:58Z2016-03-03T20:51:13Z Thursday, March 4, 2016 For Immediate Release PRESS RELEASE Branson Welcomes All New Branson Gospel Reunion Special Event May 6 and 7 Only at The Starlite Theatre Branson, Missouri – The Starlite Theatre in Branson, Missouri, welcomes the all new Branson Gospel Reunion for two performances only on Friday, […]

PRESS RELEASEBranson Welcomes All New Branson Gospel Reunion Special Event May 6 and 7 Only at The Starlite Theatre

Branson, Missouri – The Starlite Theatre in Branson, Missouri, welcomes the all new Branson Gospel Reunion for two performances only on Friday, May 6 at 2:00pm, and Saturday, May 7 at 7:30pm.
This unique, one-of-a-kind show will feature 2016 Starlite newcomers The Blackwood Singers, as well as the addictive comedy of Paul Harris, a comic legend in Branson. Guests will also enjoy the exceptionally talented cast of “Sunday Gospel Nights”, including duo Gary Koreiba and Kim Boyce, as well as Christian recording artist Allen Asbury who performed in “The Promise” in Branson for many years, and Debra Paxton, studio vocalist and daughter of rock/gospel legend, Gary S. Paxton.

The Blackwood Singers are premiering their “Blackwood’s Morning Show” on March 16 at 10am, and carry with them an 81-year award winning history as part of the famous Blackwood Brothers Quartet. They will be lending their trademark harmonies, humor, and hope to their favorite gospel hits of yesterday and today. Harris, hot off his recent comedy tour, will be lending his own sense of humor to the show, along with takes on everything from his early life to becoming a new father, and all of it tear-inducingly funny.
Koreiba and Boyce, both well-known Branson entertainers and formerly with the Pierce Arrow show, have highly successful careers in gospel music. Kim is a former Miss Florida who recorded 8 Contemporary Christian albums with 11 #1 songs on Christian radio. Koreiba grabbed the coveted background vocalist slot on gospel superstar Russ Taff’s “Medals” tour and sang on the Gaither “Homecoming” video series before moving to Branson to be the lead singer in what would become one of Branson’s most popular quartets.

The Starlite Theatre is well known for presenting award winning entertainment, including Larry’s Country Diner LIVE, Grammy winning country music star Billy Dean with Jarrett, three time Emmy Award winners The Texas Tenors, Paul Harris Comedy Show, Buckets N Boards, and, new for 2016, The Blackwood Morning Show and REZA “Edge of Illusion.” For tickets and information, go to www.StarliteTheatre.com or call 417-337-9333.

]]>0Erin Wickerhttp://starlitetheatre.com/http://www.starlitetheatre.com/?p=45822016-02-17T01:00:19Z2016-02-16T09:13:33ZTuesday, February 16, 2016 For Immediate Release Reza “Edge of Illusion” and Buckets N Boards Partner with Springfield Charity Branson’s Starlite Theatre announces “RezaWareness” for The Ronald McDonald House and Mercy Children’s Hospital February 25th through March 10th as Buckets N Boards and Reza “Edge of Illusion” work to raise […]

Branson’s Starlite Theatre announces “RezaWareness” for The Ronald McDonald House and Mercy Children’s Hospital February 25th through March 10th as Buckets N Boards and Reza “Edge of Illusion” work to raise donations, funds, and awareness for these valuable and necessary organizations and the families they serve.

On February 25th, Matt Levingston and Gareth Severs of Buckets N Boards will visit and entertain the wonderful kids at Springfield’s Mercy Children’s Hospital. Following, on March 6th, Illusionist Reza and The Starlite Staff will be serving dinner to the families at the south Ronald McDonald House, an amazing facility dedicated to the welfare of the children and families who stay there.

Monday, March 7th, Illusionist Reza will be visiting the Cox Hospital’s Child Life Center with gifts and fun for the great kids in this amazing program for children’s wellness and emotional care.

Finally, on March 10th, Buckets N Boards and the Starlite staff will be doing a live radio remote with Power 96.5 Radio and KTTS Radio from the Battlefield Mall parking lot next to McDonalds from 4pm-6pm. Free show tickets will be traded for donated items to help out The Ronald McDonald House. For any donatable items valued at a minimum of $15, (see list), The Starlite Theatre will give two free show tickets to either Buckets N Boards or Reza “Edge of Illusion”, two great family shows appearing this year with tickets retailing at over $30 each.

Donations made on behalf of “RezaWareness” will be accepted at either of the Springfield Ronald McDonald Houses or The Starlite Theatre anytime between February 25 – March 13, and each donation valued at a minimum of $15 will qualify for 2 free show tickets to see Reza “Edge of Illusion” or Buckets N Boards in 2016. Go to www.StarliteTheatre.com for details and a list of donatable items.

Reza “Edge of Illusion” is a brand new show set to open at The Starlite Theatre March 22. Reza presents a fresh, young, cutting edge feel to magic and features largely original illusions, from sleight of hand to helicopters, and band saws to Oreos.

Buckets N Boards, opening March 16, is one of the most requested headline shows on Disney Cruise Line and features Co-Creators Matt Levingston and Gareth Sever in a handcrafted and hilarious, high-energy show chock full of precise comedy percussion, ridiculous songs, spectacular tap dancing, inventive instrumentation, and unique musical talent perfect for the whole family.